Kay honored by Navy, given highest civilian award...

Earlier this week, Kay got a big honor from the Navy.

Texas Insider has the story (link). Excerpt follows...

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a ceremony in Washington, D.C., U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, the ranking member on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, today was presented with the Navy’s Distinguished Public Service Award, which is the Service’s highest civilian honor. Acting Secretary BJ Penn presented Sen. Hutchison with a medal and citation on behalf of the U.S. Navy.

The citation reads:

“For exceptionally distinguished service to the Department of the Navy as a member of Congress and the Senate Appropriations Committee from January 2006 to January 2009. Senator Hutchison’s selfless devotion to the Nation’s Sailors and Marines ensured they were provided the resources necessary to effectively conduct the Global War on Terrorism. Her courageous leadership, vision, and loyalty to the men and women of the Department of the Navy greatly contributed to their quality of life and helped create the most modern and highly trained fighting force in history. As Ranking Minority member of the Subcommittee for Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Hutchison’s tireless advocacy helped maintain the Navy and Marine Corps team at the highest levels of combat readiness to meet the challenges of the 21st century. With grateful appreciation for her outstanding contributions to the Nation and the Navy and Marine Corps, Senator Hutchison is awarded the Department of the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award.”

“I am truly honored by this recognition. During my Senate career, I have been privileged to serve on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and to work on behalf of the Sailors and Marines who fight to keep our country free and safe,” said Sen. Hutchison. “Equipping all our men and women in our Armed Forces with the tools and resources they need to do their jobs and complete their missions has been one of my most critical priorities.”

Past recipients of the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award include Representative Chet Edwards (D-17), who was honored for his leadership as Chairman of the House Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee.

Chet Edwards has been brilliant at getting lots of military dollars for his district. Kay has done the same thing for Texas... lots of military resources.